Adherents at Pomona Islamic center surprised by terrorism allegations against man who prayed there

POMONA - Terrorism suspect Arifeen David Gojali often prayed at a downtown Islamic center where today, fellow congregants said they were surprised by the news the FBI has accused him and three other Inland Empire residents of plotting to kill Americans in Afghanistan.

"It shocked me. I was surprised," said Binisa Mokhtar said while he prepared to drive away from the Islamic center. "All I can do now is pray for him."

Gojali prayed at Masjid al-Sabireen Cham American Muslim Community, a Garey Avenue Islamic center a couple blocks south from the Los Angeles Superior Court house in downtown Pomona. president Krya Jacques said Gojali prayed at the center for about 10 years, but Gojali did not outwardly show interest in violent jihad.

"I'm surprised. I hope it's not a set-up for him," Jacques said. "I want justice for him. I'm not his side. I'm not on anybody's side."

The FBI has arrested Gojali, 21, of Riverside, and three others on suspicion of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. The FBI has also accused Sohiel Omar Kabir, 34, an Afghanistan native and former resident of Pomona; Ralph Deleon, 23, of Ontario and a native of the Philippines and

Miguel Alejandro Santana Vidriales 21, of Upland of planning to attack American military personnel and bases overseas.

Gojali previously lived in a south Pomona neighborhood, but neighbors said he and his family left several months ago. Residents said Gojali and others in the home rarely interacted with his neighbors.

"I hardly saw them," Andrew Salazar, 19, said.

At Masjid al-Sabireen, Jacques' remarks seemed to indicate that he had few personal interactions with Gojali.

"People come to pray," Jacques said. "Other than that, if they come quietly, they go. That's it." Masjid al-Sabireen member Gamal Adia said the Pomona Islamic center often provides food and other assistance to area homeless without regard to religion. He also said hundreds of millions of the world's Muslims reject terrorism.

"It's not from our religion," Adia said.

Adia said Gojali presented himself as a helpful member of the Islamic center who was quick to offer favors to others.

Gojali was also a smoker who favored Marlboro cigarettes, said Adia who seemed puzzled by the other man's tobacco use.

Adia did not say whether he expects Gojali to be exonerated or proven guilty, but that anyone who is guilty of terrorism deserves to be punished.